Fire Station 5

Fire Station 5

In November 1908, residents of the Bell’s Hill area organized a fire company. By May 1909, a committee submitted a petition to the board of commissioners requesting the establishment of a fire station. The committee and the residents expressed concerns that the steep hill leading to the neighborhood exhausted the horses, making them "practically winded" by the time they reached Waco Creek. This hindered their ability to respond quickly to fires on dry streets.

As a result, on November 23, 1909, Fire Commissioner Wright received permission to build a fire station on Bell’s Hill, on a lot owned by the city but managed by water commissioners. On December 30, architect Milton Scott submitted plans for proposed fire stations on Colonial Hill and Bell’s Hill. Ultimately, the Bell’s Hill station, located in the 1700 block of Clay, was commissioned in June 1910, with equipment installed and firefighters assigned to their posts. The official opening and celebration took place on September 22, 1910.

In September 1952, the state fire commissioner informed Waco officials that the city had “outgrown its fire-fighting ability,” prompting a review of the fire insurance key rate. Among the recommendations was relocating the Bell’s Hill station closer to the Circle. In July 1955, a study by the Texas Fire Prevention Bureau also suggested moving the station from the 1700 block of Clay to 26th and Dutton. However, instead of that recommended location, the city purchased land in the 2600 block of Speight in April 1957.Six months later, in October, the Waco City Council approved a contract for the construction of the new station. Firefighters held an open house at the new station in July 1958.

In 2016, the original station closed for repairs, and Engine 5 and its crew were relocated to the Central Fire Station, which was vacant following the construction of a new Station 2 in North Waco. In the fall of 2017, the City of Waco acquired land at 4515 Bagby to build a new Station 5. Construction began in December 2018, and the new Station 5 was dedicated on October 25, 2019. Today, it serves as the home of Engine 5 and Battalion Chief 2.

Location

4515 Bagby Ave, Waco, TX 76711  View Map

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